An exploratory study on the management of business records by knowledge workers

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine how knowledge workers could align the creation and management of business records with organisational records management needs. Problem investigated: Knowledge workers are employed by more than one organisation at the same time. This creates problems in managing and preserving the business records created and received by knowledge workers. This article investigates how organisations should manage and preserve their business records that are created and received by knowledge workers who are employed by more than one organisation. Methodology: The importance of the management of business records in the knowledge economy was discussed and in the empirical survey data was collected through a questionnaire survey of 122 knowledge workers at an investment management company. Findings: The results of the empirical survey revealed that the majority of respondents always save business records that they create on their own personal filing systems and that they are familiar with the concept of records management. The findings provided support for the hypothesis that knowledge workers take control of managing the business records of various organisations, as their careers consist of a series of projects or assignments, irrespective of the organisation employing them. Value of research: The active role that knowledge workers can play in the management of strategic business records, underlines its key position as an information management function in organisations. Further research is needed to clarify the importance of records management in the knowledge economy. Conclusion: Knowledge workers take control of managing the business records of various organisations, as their careers consist of a series of projects or assignments while working at different organisations.